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Combination cursor key and enter key for hand held electronic devices

a technology of electronic devices and cursor keys, applied in the field of electronic devices, can solve the problems of easy inadvertent actuation and over-sensitive joystick type keys, and achieve the effects of low overall keypad cost, quick and easy actuation, and enhanced overall convenience of use of keypads

Inactive Publication Date: 2002-09-19
GARMIN
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] More specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide, in a keypad for a hand held electronic device, an enter key that extends through and is located in the center of a cursor key and yet operates independently of the cursor key. Due to the location of the enter key in the center of the cursor key, it can be quickly and easily actuated following use of the cursor key to enhance the overall convenience of use of the keypad.
[0007] Among the other objects of the invention are to provide a combination cursor and enter key that result in a low overall keypad cost, is compatible with prevailing keypad designs, is constructed ruggedly and in a weatherproof manner, and is not subject to problems due to vibration or other outside forces.
[0009] The cursor key is preferably a conventional key rather than a joystick type device that rocks or tilts. The keypad may be elastomeric, and a snap dome switch array may be interposed between the keypad and a printed circuit board that is equipped with switch contacts. This construction avoids over sensitivity, provides for a low cost manufacturing operation, and results in a rugged and weatherproof unit.

Problems solved by technology

However, a joystick type key can be overly sensitive and can easily be actuated inadvertently when subjected to vibration or other influences.

Method used

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  • Combination cursor key and enter key for hand held electronic devices
  • Combination cursor key and enter key for hand held electronic devices
  • Combination cursor key and enter key for hand held electronic devices

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Embodiment Construction

[0014] Referring now to the drawings in more detail and initially to FIG. 1, numeral 10 generally designates a hand held electronic device which may be a wireless communications device, a hand held computer, a GPS based navigation device, or another type of hand held unit. The device 10 has a rigid housing or body 12 which houses the electronic components and is small enough to be held in the hand of the user. The body 12 has a front face 14 that is equipped with a screen 16 providing a visual display and a keypad 18 having a plurality of individual keys 20. The keypad 18 may be located immediately below the screen 16. The keys 20 are finger operated keys and may include keys that allow instructions and various data to be input, along with keys that effect various functions the device is designed to perform. The face 14 of the device 10 may be provided with other components and indicators.

[0015] In accordance with the present invention, one of the keys on the keypad includes a combi...

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PUM

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Abstract

A cursor key having an enter key located at its center for the keypad of a hand held electronic device. The cursor key has up and down and left and right areas depressed by a finger or thumb to move an on-screen cursor. The enter key projects through an opening in the center of the cursor key where it is conveniently located to be pressed immediately following manipulation of the cursor key.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001] This invention relates generally to electronic devices and particularly hand held devices of the type commonly used in portable communications and in navigation applications. More particularly, the invention is directed to a keypad having a combination cursor key and enter key that are incorporated together for convenient use.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002] A variety of handheld electronic devices have become popular in recent years. Hand held computers, GPS based navigation aids, and portable telephones and other communication devices are examples of electronic devices that have gained wide popularity. These devices typically include a screen on which various information is displayed and a keypad allowing the device to receive instructions and data and carry out the functions it is designed to perform.[0003] Among the keys that are commonly found on the keypad are a cursor key and an enter key. The cursor key has up and down areas at the top and botto...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): H01H13/702H01H25/06
CPCH01H13/702H01H25/065H01H2221/012H01H2231/022
Inventor KALIS, ROBERT M.BRODDLE, KENTFOTOVICH, LARRY P.
Owner GARMIN